New Delhi: The Central Government's ambitious plan to setup 14 world class universities during the 11th Plan period seems to have hit the first roadblock.

The National Knowledge Commission (NKC) and University Grants Commission (UGC) do not share a common view on the world class universities set to come up in state capitals and major cities of the country.

The NKC has argued that the provisions in the 11th Plan were based on its recommendations and therefore its conceptualization should be implemented in totality.

An advisory body led by NKC chief Sam Pitroda has also asked the UGC to incorporate its concerns on issues relating to curriculum, faculty, student fees, governance and management on a revised concept note prepared by the UGC on world class universities.

The NKC and UGC also differ on the title of the legislation.

The UGC has suggested it to be called the 'Indian World Class University System Act' - "indicating it is not about one particular university but about a cluster of them which form a system", while the NKC has suggested it to be named the 'National Universities System Act'.

Contention has also emerged on the fee structure. The NKC wants autonomy for these world class universities to decide the fee structure for students and tap other sources to generate funds. The UGC has however said that "all issues relating to the fee structure have to be subject to Supreme Court judgements and regulations made by the commission in this regard".

NKC wants the syllabi to be revised every year in these universities to keep up with the latest developments in various spheres of education. It has also suggested that university departments which fail to revise their syllabus for two consecutive years must be asked for an explanation.

State-wise list of cities identified for locating 14 world class universities during the 11th Plan period:

- Maharashtra - Pune
- West Bengal - Kolkata
- Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore
- Karnataka - Mysore
- Andhra Pradesh - Vishakapatanam
- Gujarat - Gandhinagar
- Rajasthan - Jaipur
- Bihar - Patna
- Madhya Pradesh - Bhopal
- Kerala - Kochi
- Punjab - Amritsar
- Orissa - Bhubaneshwar
- Uttar Pradesh - Greater Noida
- Assam - Guwahati